School of Construction Economics and Management (Conference Proceedings)
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Item Perceptions of tender document quality and its impact on construction estimates(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Nezambe, Bruce; Laryea, Samuel; Govender, Neil; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingConstruction experts have noted the persistent concern about the quality of tender documents and its impact on the construction sector. Poor specification writing continues to be a weak link in the information chain that degrades the quality of tender documents and causes disputes, particularly in a competitive market where construction professionals strictly interpret the documents to prepare a competitive bid. The impact of tender document quality on the accuracy of project estimates is assessed to determine the determinants of good tender-quality documents. Additionally, interventions that can be implemented to improve tender document quality and the implications of poor tender document quality were also analyzed. Qualitative data was collected from construction professionals using an interview. Data was analyzed by Atlas-ti using thematic analysis where six key themes were extracted. The study concluded that poor quality tender documents compromise the accuracy of project estimates and delivery of projects within the South African construction industry. The consequences of poor tender document quality included reduced project profitability, incomplete projects, project termination due to funding issues, misunderstanding of boundaries, misalignment of the programme, increased costs and a negative impact on construction estimates.Item Using dynamic BIM to improve construction safety culture(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Amiri, Mojtaba; Saghatforoush, Ehsan; Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingAmong the various studies that have addressed the application of BIM dynamics in domain of health and safety management, the lack of research regarding the impact of BIM dynamics on safety culture is clearly visible. These days, it is apparent that more and more construction technologies are currently being used for safety and health management. These technologies can be used in different construction applications to mitigate workplace hazards. Among these technologies, BIM and IoT has been shown to have significant potential in high-risk Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) industries. Several researchers have started to explore the potential synergy between BIM and IOT. Dynamic BIM presents an influential pattern for applications to improve construction safety management. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the necessity of research on the use of dynamic BIM in improving construction safety culture. Hence, the literature review method was used to identify the domains in which dynamic BIM has been applied. Prominent application domains in which dynamic BIM has been applied are construction operation and monitoring, facility management (FM), construction logistic and management, health and safety (H&S) management. Results show that no research has addressed the impact of dynamic BIM on safety culture. Therefore, research related to dynamic BIM and its impact on construction safety culture is necessary.Item Bibliometric review of social value in construction literature(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Laryea, Samuel; Kwasafo, Oscar Kwame; Mensah, Sarfo; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingThe construction industry plays a leading role in the provision of infrastructure projects that promote not only the primary objectives for which a project is intended but also the secondary objectives which relate to wider socio-economic development and social value aspects, as shown in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 10845…2022) 10845 family of standards for construction procurement. While most papers in the construction literature have focused on the primary objectives of infrastructure projects such as costs, time, and quality, relatively little attention has been focused on the secondary objective aspects like economic, environmental, and social sustainability objectives. There has been an increasing focus on the social value aspects of infrastructure projects in recent years. This trend seems likely to increase and directions for future research can be generated from examining the current literature. This paper examines 78 articles relating to social value in construction to explore current understanding and key emerging themes in this area. The 78 articles were identified through a systematic search in Scopus and Google Scholar, then analysed using temporal co-word analysis to generate four key bibliometric themes: social sustainability, social procurement, social value, and employment. Two preliminary conclusions are presented from the bibliometric review. First, while using the ‘social value’ terminology may show this as a relatively new concept flowing from the social sustainability discourse, earlier studies and practices in this area precede the ‘social value’ terminology and appropriate linkages to earlier knowledge should be properly established. Secondly, different terminologies are used to refer to the same concept, creating duplication and significant overlaps across the different terminologies. It would be necessary to consolidate and align the various terminologies for consistency.Item The impact of inflation on house prices in South Africa: effects of COVID-19(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcom; Mpofu, Bekithemba; Moobela, Cletus; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingThis study investigates the impact of inflation on house prices in South Africa, with a particular focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aims to elucidate the nature of the relationship between inflation and housing, and to determine how the pandemic has influenced this dynamic. Utilising monthly data from January 2010 to April 2022, the study employs Johansen cointegration and Granger causality tests to assess long-term and causal relationships, respectively. The findings confirm a positive long-term relationship between house prices and inflation, indicating that housing serves as an effective hedge against inflation. However, the results also reveal structural breaks in this relationship, with significant changes observed during the COVID-19 period. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) highlights short-run adjustments and the speed of return to equilibrium. This study provides valuable insights for investors and policymakers, demonstrating the resilience of housing investments during economic disruptions and underscoring the importance of considering regional and temporal factors in real estate investment strategies.Item A Digital Skills Gap Analysis of Building Inspectors: The Case of The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Authority(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Gethe, Faranani; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Awuzie, Bankole; Chiloane, Maruping Broderick; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingThe utility of digital technologies in improving building inspection functions has been elucidated by relevant literature. However, the ability of building inspectors to deploy these technologies remains contentious as a paucity of studies, highlighting the digital capabilities possessed by these cohort has been observed. To bridge this gap, this study conducts a digital skills gap analysis of building inspectors in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study adopts a case study research strategy with a selected building inspectorate unit in South Africa’s Gauteng province serving as the case study. Data was elicited within case surveys, 41 building inspectors responded out of 70 total population sampling sent out. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS. Results show substantial levels of digital illiteracy among building inspectors in the City of Johannesburg yet little drive-in adoption of the digital technologies in conducting building inspections. It is clear from this study that essential competencies required for the adoption of digital technologies are not at the acceptable level for practical application in the case of Johannesburg. Besides elucidating the growing importance of digital technologies in the execution of building inspection functions in developing countries, the study provides considerable insight into the existence of a skills gap which limits the ability of building inspectors to engage in the increased uptake of these technologies.Item The 'Massive, Little' Houses: 'Prefabs', A Solution for Informal Settlement Housing Crisis in South Africa! A Scoping Review(Construction Business and Project Management Group, University of Cape Town, 2024-08-27) Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcolm; Adewunmi, Yewande; Ndlovu, Pride; Gethe, FarananiUnlike most continents, Africa still grapples with urban informality, where housing shortages affect most people living in substandard conditions. Prefabricated housing (PH) presents an alternative option that provides a quicker and cheaper housing supply, although it currently lags behind demand. This paper examines whether 1) informal settlements can be upgraded using prefabricated/modular houses, 2) these housing types are desirable to occupants, and 3) alternative houses should receive as much emphasis and policy support as possible, particularly considering the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a comprehensive literature survey utilising a scoping review methodology, the paper indicates that stakeholders such as developers, financiers, and occupants of prefabricated housing increasingly embrace PH despite its challenges. The literature unanimously agrees that substantial efforts are required to catalyse more investment in PH regarding further research, education, supply chain improvements, and enhanced communication and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Additionally, numerous research gaps need addressing, including in-depth examinations of PH's contextual feasibility and performance across different geographical areas. The paper recommends that South African governments adopt PH as an alternative housing solution, as it is faster and cheaper, thereby aiding in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 11.Item Proceedings of the WABER SuDBE 2024 Conference 30th – 31st July 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa(WABER SuDBE Conference 2024, 2024-07) Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingThe technical presentations consist of seven keynote speeches and 130 paper presentations. The keynote speeches focus on an array of interesting topics that relate to the general conference theme of sustainable built environments. We have four keynote speeches relating to the theme of adaptability of the built environment to climate change and the sustainable development goals. The three other keynote speeches address matters of resilient and sustainable futures, the use of digital technologies to improve the sustainability of buildings, and artificial intelligence and carbon neutrality. The academic and industry leaders speaking on these topics are very experienced and their keynote presentations are expected to stimulate new ideas and discussion in the conference. The accepted papers to be presented in the parallel sessions relate to eight themes namely: • Climate Responsive Built Environments • Air Quality and Healthy Building • Thermal Comfort and Intelligent Operation • Low Carbon Technology and Energy System • Sustainable Urban Renewal • Building Technology and Performance • Construction and Project Management • Real Estate and Property ManagementItem Book of Abstracts WABER SuDBE Conference 2024, 30 – 31 July 2024 University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa(WABER SuDBE Conference 2024, 2024-07) Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Sarfo, Mensah; Hong, Liu; Runming, YaoThe technical presentations consist of seven keynote speeches and 130 paper presentations. The keynote speeches focus on an array of interesting topics that relate to the general conference theme of sustainable built environments. We have four keynote speeches relating to the theme of adaptability of the built environment to climate change and the sustainable development goals. The three other keynote speeches address matters of resilient and sustainable futures, the use of digital technologies to improve the sustainability of buildings, and artificial intelligence and carbon neutrality. The academic and industry leaders speaking on these topics are very experienced and their keynote presentations are expected to stimulate new ideas and discussion in the conference.Item The Impact of Inflation on House Prices in South Africa: Effects of COVID-19(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07-30) Mpofu, Bekithemba; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Moobela, Cletus; Weaich, MalcolmThis study investigates the impact of inflation on house prices in South Africa, with a particular focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aims to elucidate the nature of the relationship between inflation and housing, and to determine how the pandemic has influenced this dynamic. Utilising monthly data from January 2010 to April 2022, the study employs Johansen cointegration and Granger causality tests to assess long-term and causal relationships, respectively. The findings confirm a positive long-term relationship between house prices and inflation, indicating that housing serves as an effective hedge against inflation. However, the results also reveal structural breaks in this relationship, with significant changes observed during the COVID-19 period. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) highlights short-run adjustments and the speed of return to equilibrium. This study provides valuable insights for investors and policymakers, demonstrating the resilience of housing investments during economic disruptions and underscoring the importance of considering regional and temporal factors in real estate investment strategies.